Overview & Reviews

The Mercury Mountaineer should be a respectable choice for a used midsize SUV. At its debut, it offered good space for medium-size families, decent handling, tolerable ride quality and at least some semblance of off-road capability. These qualities held steady through two generations.

Although the Mountaineer was mechanically identical to the Ford Explorer and shared its chassis and most sheet metal, Mercury attempted to differentiate it over the years by specifying more standard amenities, softer suspension tuning and all-wheel drive instead of traditional four-wheel drive. For years, those virtues placed the Mercury Mountaineer in the upper ranks of midsize SUVs. This was especially true after its 2002 redesign, which brought about a vast improvement in both ride and handling.

Despite that, the Mountaineer was outclassed in more recent years by newer crossover SUVs such as the Acura MDX and Buick Enclave. These vehicles typically offer better on-road handling and roomier interiors to boot. They don't have as much towing capacity as the Mercury, though, so the Mountaineer still deserves consideration for those used SUV shoppers with more demanding needs.

Most Recent Mercury Mountaineer
Sold from 2002-'10, the second-generation Mountaineer was greatly refined in terms of luxury and performance. A wider stance and an independent rear suspension improved both handling and ride, while a new 4.6-liter V8 provided ample power with smoother operation. The cabin offered a few new perks as well, such as optional power-adjustable pedals and a third-row seat.

Buyers could choose between a 210-horsepower V6 or the new V8. The V8 versions sold through '05 made 240 hp and came with a five-speed automatic. We would recommend a 2006 or later version, as that year the V8 got a power boost to 292 hp along with a six-speed automatic, improving both performance and, to a lesser degree, fuel economy. The Mountaineer's safety quotient rose in 2004 when Mercury added stability control as an option, and again the following year when it was made standard and packaged with Roll Stability Control. Standard side curtain airbags completed the picture for 2006 -- in previous years, they were optional so it's a good idea to make sure an individual Mountaineer has them. Microsoft's Sync system was added to the options list in mid-2008 and became standard on the Premier for 2009. The following year would be the Mountaineer's last, as the Mercury brand would be phased out during 2011.

This Mountaineer was available in five- and seven-passenger versions and with a choice of either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The trim levels were typically topped by the Premier, which provided leather upholstery, heated seats, rear parking sensors and the Sync voice-activated multimedia integration system. Main options included a rear entertainment system and a navigation system. One could also opt for second-row captain's chairs, which dropped passenger capacity to six.

In reviews, we found that the Mountaineer had a smooth and composed ride and respectable handling, due in no small part to the SUV's independent rear suspension. The latter was an important upgrade from the first model's live rear axle. This Mercury also has strengths as a people hauler, partly thanks to its fold-flat third-row seat that ranked among the roomiest of traditional midsize SUVs. Downsides include weak acceleration with the V6 engine and a dated dashboard design.

Past Mercury Mountaineer Models
The first-generation Mountaineer debuted for 1997 as the uptown cousin to the then-second generation Ford Explorer. The Mountaineer was initially unique for only coming with Ford's 4.9-liter pushrod V8, the famous "5.0" Mustang motor whose gas-guzzling habits were downright offensive. Things improved the following year when Mercury received the better of the Explorer's two V6s -- a 210-hp 4.0-liter -- as its standard engine. Initially, buyers had a choice between 2WD and AWD, but in '98, Mercury added a third option, a dual-range 4WD system.

The Mercury Mountaineer's trucklike suspension gave it a bouncy ride typical of the era, and although acceleration was adequate, neither engine was especially powerful or refined. Also, the Ford Explorer-Firestone controversy regarding tire tread separation and increased rollover risk applied equally to the Mountaineer. In the highly unlikely event you encounter a first-gen Mountaineer still wearing its original Firestone tires, you'll want to upgrade to better rubber immediately. The notable changes through this generation's run include the availability of automatic rear load leveling suspension and rear park assist for 1999, and a child seat tether/anchor system for 2001.

In its favor, the original Mercury Mountaineer's seating comfort and cargo room were always competitive, and its repair record stands above GM's or Jeep's entries. Overall, we'd say that if your budget limits you to a midsize SUV from the late '90s, the Mercury Mountaineer is a decent choice.

User Reviews:

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  Premier Mountaineer - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Bud - August 4 - 12:36 am

  There has been an inherent problem with the drive train in this vehicle. Also, the vehicle gets terrible gas mileage, nothing near what was posted on the sticker. It has good power with the V8 engine and the ride is more like a car than a truck.

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  Read this before you buy! - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By BrianDY - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Horrible customer service. My Mountaineer was taken in the very next day after buying because the A/C didnt turn on. The Auto repair shop at the dealership had my car for 2 weeks. They didnt even give me a rental, I had to buy my own. I cant believe how much hassle Ive gone through, its utterly ridiculous.

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  Never buying american car again - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Donald Steiner - May 18 - 8:53 pm

  I had a 3 year lease on 98 mountaineer. Absolutely loved the way it drove.I would frequently drive between Canton,Ohio and San Jose. I was very sad to part with it. Looked at acura mdx,jeep grand cherokee and lexus rx300. Nothing blew me away more than the redesigned mountaineer. My company gave me a corporate discount towards any ford motor vehicle. This made the mountaineer an even more ideal choice. I now feel ashamed that i leased it. At 10000 miles the cheap vinyl on the seats started to wear out as if it had 50,000 miles. At 15,000 miles i started having computer glitches. the dealer attempted to fix it 8 times before the lease was up. It never did get the problem fixed. I am now an audi bigot.

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  never buy this car - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Jeff - March 20 - 10:26 pm

  Had the suv for a little over a year.Transmission and a few other problems fixed a month ago while under extended warranty. Warranty ran out a month later and right wheel berring is bad, heater coil is leaking and ac coolant is leaking. I like the suv but its having nothing but troubles. I called Mercury about the problems and they said there was nothing they could do for me. Never buy anything ford or youre stuck with it.

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  Worst nightmare! - 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Clint - October 18 - 12:20 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but a heartache for me since day 1. I thought my wife and I were buying a reliable vehicle for our family of 4 and Ive been disappointed with it the whole time Ive owned it. Cd player broke at 29000 miles, transmission problems at 40000 miles, and now rear windows, rear AC pump, and ball joints are going bad. Car has 65000 miles on it! Whats next?! Oh yeah! I forgot about the time the battery ran completely dead and disarmed my keys so I couldnt start the car afterwards. Had to have the car towed to a Mercury dealership 28 miles away and get new keys programmed for the car. About a 400 dollar mistake altogether. Are you kidding me? Need I say more?

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  ONLY 87,000 MILES AND CANT DRIVE - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Sharon Figgins - April 25 - 6:33 pm

  01/18/07 When truck shifts gears it vibrates. Cost: $198.95. 05/29/07 Replaced drivers side pretensioner Cost: $273.19. 06/26/07 Replaced front differential, both rear axle seals Cost: $1580.23 11/07/07 Front end alignment and replace seals in rear. Cost: $482.97 12/13/07 Replace left front hub bearing. Cost $401.73. 02/18/08 Rear wheel bearing, rear rotors, surpitene belt Cost: $348.51. 03/11/08 Replaced rear end assembly. Cost: 864.68 03/20/09 Front differential needed bolts tightened and right rear bearing replaced. (I agreed to repair if it fixed problem) Cost: $428.00 Did not fix problem. Told I needed rear transfer case and V coupling. Will cost me another 2,300 plus. PARKED CAR.

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  Great until you hit 80k - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By Mommy to 3 - October 29 - 10:03 pm

  We bought this car in 2004. I loved it for the first two years or so. The it started falling apart. We have had to replace the transmission and it needs to be replaced again now. Other replacements, power window motor and switch pannel, window regulator, back glass, wheel barings, door hinges, cracked running boards, air compressor, power seat motor and various timing belts. I have just been advised the ABS is out and my rear end may or may not be going out and the doors no longer lock. Interior wise its comfy. Some of the paint on the steering wheel and radio started peeling and flaking at about 50k. Basically this car is junk. We are trading in tomorrow on a Land Rover LR3 tomorrow

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  A Lemons Lemon - 2002 Mercury Mountaineer
  By mfultz - April 13 - 2:46 am

  I really tried to buy American when I bought this Mountaineer with only 38,00 miles on it in 2004. Now at 90,000 miles I have had to replace the transmission and not the rear end is failing. I have a Toyota Tundra and a Honda they have 106,000 miles and 170, miles on them respectively. I have NEVER replace a transmission or differential on either one. I just think I should have gotten more service out of this Mountaineer; after all, I thought American car manufacturers PROMISED to build better products. The promised has truly been broken, just like my pocketbook. NO MORE AMERICAN vehicles for me, and thats a promise.

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  Major Defect - 2003 Mercury Mountaineer
  By DMont - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Beware of KNOWN rear axle defect in the 03. A mth after purchase, I heard humming from the rear. took it back to John Eagle. informed by serv mgr that there existed a known defect w/ rear axle. Ford had to replace the entire rear end of my SUV. In April 04, my wife was driving the car in the HOV lane when the rear axel locked up. The vehicle began to skid and black smoke was coming out of the vehicle. Thru the grace of God my wife maneuvered the vehicle without having a rear-end collision. In the vehicle w/ my wife was my two boys (3 and 1 mth) and mother-in-law. BEWARE! Fords not telling purchasers of this KNOWN defect.

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  Dont buy a Ford - 2000 Mercury Mountaineer
  By dJM - June 10 - 10:00 am

  The bumper on the vehicle started to rust under the plastic trim. Ford paid for half the cost of repainting it. The body shop, Otis Ford, on Long Island could not install the plastic bumper cover without cracking it after four tries. They said the bumber had a defect. This has been going on for a year and still not resolved. No support from Ford or the dealer. I plan on selling the car and buying a new Honda. Dont buy Ford